I am sure you all probably covered this before, but I just got a call yesterday from a realtor in a market that I am eager to break in to, and he wanted to know if I was qualified to do the “Dryvit mold inspections”. I had no idea what he was talking about, but after talking to him, and doing a little internet research, I see what an ordeal this has become (thanks to the class action lawsuit). He informed me that there are only 2 or 3 guys doing these in this market, and he assured me he would have work for me if I became “qualified” to do this. Anyone have any experience with this? And did it effect your E & O?
Jeff,
Get in contact with Tom Lauhon, Midwest Inspectors Institute, located in Lansing, KS. www.midwestinsp.com
1-800-305-1520
They can get you trained and help get you started in the business of doing EIFS inspections. Dryvit is only one of the manufacturers of EIFS (Exterior Insulated Finish Systems) and is a brand name. His course content can be seen on the above website. Short and informative program. You will make all your money back on the first job and then some. Stop wasting time reading this post and call! Happy Inspecting…
I have to second that, Tom has taught this subject for many years and is a recognised expert, plus he taught it at our National convention to rave reviews.
Hi Joe, I hope that my past experiences with EDI were not the norm, I always used to recomend EDI until I had need of an expert EFIS inspector, and had a terrible (and costly) experience with some of there Floridian “experts”
I’ve installed the system many times but am not ‘qualified’ to inspect it after the fact. Not much need for it residentially in my area, thankfully as it would seem there are limitations regardless of where you would be trained.
Not all the problems with stucco and EIFS are product related. There are flaws in the construction phase that contribute greatly. Mistakes made by other trades.
I agree, I am a Construction Superindentant for a Commercial Company for 36 years and ten years of building experience with my Father. I am merely suggesting a Company standard application that can be compared with others. I am familiar with this product and application.
Usually, when things get screwed up is due to uncontrolled environment, uncontrolled supervision of the applicator, or just a bad Contractor.
A lot of deficiencies can relate to a job mismanaged.
You’re close to us in Kansas City. Stacey VanHoutan that works for me and I do more Stucco/EIFS inspections and expert witness on it than anyone in this area including Tom Lauhon. We can put you through a 1 day training class on it for about the same as Tom, with the advantage being we’ve been residential and commercial builders, contractors, remodelers and have not only installed but tore it off and repaired it - Tom hasn’t. You’ll come away knowing more than 97% of the home inspectors out there, BUT …
Now that I’ve said that let me reiterate what Joe Haggerty said - if you’re serious about doing this take the time and spend the money and go to EDI and get certified though them or do something else. Thats where all of us have been trained at one time or another (Tom also).
Go to my web site at: www.holmesinspection.com then at the top of the page open the tab called “Reference Library” … then open “Media Articles”. Then open the newspaper story on “Bad Stucco”. It was a real nice story - front page on the Sunday KC Star in April of 2005. After you read the story see who the inspectors were that found them. Then email us if you want more info.
The biggest problem with the article in the star is/was the writer had EIFS and hard cote stucco mixed up. And that helped to confuse people even more! IMO
Then there is the issue of the citys codes inspectors dropping the ball and not enforceing the codes about moisture barriers and flashings.
And the wood rot guys who come out and fix things cosmectly with the wood trim around doors and windows and putting things back in a fashion where they will fail again.
Start your EIFS/MA training online. Anyone can take the courses and get credit even if you’re not an AIA member. I just contacted Parex and had the Certs. sent to me.
The fact that the newspaper got a story out there on the front page of the sunday KC paper, made a HUGE splash and got tons of people talking and thinking about stucco and getting it inspected is terrific. I have not talked to anybody that was confused - they now realized there was a problem with stucco (no matter what type or what agents & builders told them) and wanted to get it checked out. That IMHO is a fantastic start.
I understand you will be training us at the NACHI meeting in KC on the 19th of August, will you be explaining the differences between synthetic and hybrid stucco? I don’t have alot of stucco here in my area but it doesnt hurt to know the differences and how to recognize the different types that are manufactured.
